Exponential Growth, Unexpected Challenges: How Teach for America Grew in Scale and Impact

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In this publication, researchers at Bellwether Education Partners analyzed the practices that contributed to Teach for America’s (TFA) exponential growth over the past 15 years. Researchers found that despite the ever-changing educational landscape that marked the last quarter century, TFA’s commitment to its Theory of Change (core values, relationships, and—above all—adaptability) enabled the organization to grow nearly ten-fold. Researchers also noted that a commitment to cultivating diverse talent helped TFA to maintain quality as the organization grew. This case study contains many lessons and caveats that will serve to benefit growing “social entrepreneurial” organizations.